2008 Mercedes-Benz ML550

Now, that's progress! The new ML550 outguns the original ML55 AMG, for $10,000 less.

In the 10 years since its introduction, we have seen a procession of steadily more powerful V-8s in the Mercedes-Benz ML sport-ute, beginning with the original 268-hp ML430. From there, it progressed to the 268-hp ML500, and then on to the hot-rod (for that generation) 342-hp ML55 AMG. The first time we drove a current-generation ML350 (with a 268-hp V-6), we proclaimed the V-8 superfluous. In part, that was because the ML500's 302-hp, 5.0-liter V-8 added only 34 horsepower at the time.

In New York, Mercedes replaces its ML500 with the more powerful ML550. How much more powerful? About 26 percent. With the 32-valve DOHC 5.5-liter V-8 from the S-class underhood, the new ML550 promises 382 horsepower, 80 more than in the ML500 and a full 40-horse team more than in the original ML55, but still safely shy of the current bad-boy ML, the 503-hp ML63 AMG. The seven-speed automatic currently found backing the smaller, weaker V-8 remains. The duo, always ready for 0-to-60 mph in just 5.3 seconds in the S-class sedan, should be willing to perform the same feat in just under six seconds in the M-class.

Other than the engine, no upgrades are expected for the 2008 ML550. Watch for it in showrooms late this summer at a base price of about $55,000, which undercuts the older, slower ML55 AMG by $10,000.